Fashion for young turns bold, risqué
It seems that offensive is the new kitsch. A quick round to the street markets and a few trips to karaoke nights in the city’s watering holes will give you an idea that bold is the new fashion mantra and profanity the hottest fashion trend. It’s not difficult to spot youngsters in tees with punch lines ranging from suggestive to downright raunchy. Some of the phrases like ‘Blow me’, ‘I don’t give a f***’, ‘Faceb*** generation’ have made it to youngsters’ wardrobes, who swear that the craze is not vulgar but a manifestation of their being.
Recently, even Karol Bagh Saree House, known for their exquisite saris and dress materials, launched a line of “Go Jawaani: Weapons of Mass Seduction” saris that carry explosive collections with surreptitious names like “Oh Teri Behen ki”.
Its brand director Sanya Dhir says, “These saris for the young and young at heart have an eye-popping, jaw-dropping and traffic-stopping effect on the crowd.”
Saurabh Khatri, a 21-year-old DU student, says that fashion is an expression of who we are and one is free to wear their confidence and attitude on their sleeves: “Fashion is about optimism. What one finds vulgar can be a fashion statement for another. Also the ‘words’ scribbled on apparels are not used for their literal meaning. So there is no need to frown.”
Santu Misra, a design student and freelance stylist, adds that some people like making a statement and it is important to be sure that you share the same views as the ones displayed all over your bust.
“Undercover came out with a series of texts on their garments which stated things like, ‘We make noise not clothes’ and ‘She brings rain’ and Commes des Garcons released a range of T-shirts that’s a different kind of cool. Similarly progressive and often angering phrases like ‘blow me’ or ‘WTF?’ are a way of self-expression and if the wearer feels like wearing it and as long as it doesn’t grow out tools to hurt someone, it’s absolutely fine.”
However, designer Gaurav Jagtiani, who is all for progression in fashion, feels that although profanity or shock value is not new to fashion, it has now become a part of everyday street fashion. “Personally, I feel that it’s not in very good taste and may not be appropriate in all settings. But I am sure at events or front rows or parties, the wearers want to create an impact and get noticed. Having said that a certain amount of discretion does need to be practised. Wearing profanities does seem like you are screaming for attention.”
Agrees young poet Halima Sadiya, “I don’t think one needs bold prints or strong words to prove a point. Words speak more than actions. If certain phrases are printed on your clothes to raise awareness about some socially relevant issues, then it is appreciated. But vulgar phrases like ‘Sexually dyslexic’ or ‘Faceb***’, which I see a lot these days, is just too vulgar. Brands are encouraging the youth with these ideas and making a mockery of things.”
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